Appreciating the Art of Flamenco

Flamenco is more than a tradition in Spain. It is considered an art which every Spaniard must be familiar with as they grow up in Spain. Flamenco is deeply ingrained in the Spanish culture which stirs the hearts of the audience through its moves, music and songs.

The culture of Flamenco was established through many generations with an unclear origin. It is expressively structured by its song or ‘cante’, dance or ‘baile’ and guitar playing or ‘guitarra’.

Origins

No one can truly claim the origins of Flamenco although it is widely practiced by gypsies in Spain. They are active in generating the dances through Andalucian songs and music; today there is more innovation in presenting the Flamenco with sounds of salsa, jazz and bosa nova.

The art of Flamenco is believed to emerge between 1765 and 1860 as Flamenco schools came on the scene. However, this art was only popularized in the late 19th century.

Art Forms

Flamenco first started off with mere vocals and rhythmic hand clapping called ‘toque de palmas.’ Over time, great flamenco artists and composers introduced music through the guitar to accompany the art.

At its peak, the Flamenco performed was well defined to be presented at cafes cantantes or music cafés.

There is a more serious form of the Flamenco where deeper feelings are expressed; this is known as cante jondo. A special guitar is used to include more guitar music to accompany the Flamenco presentation.

Vocals were added to the Flamenco during the early 1900s with ‘opera flamenca’ emerging on the scene. These are flamenco presentations with cantes music and fandangos accompanying the Flamenco vocals. However, not all of these modifications were well received as they were considered untraditional and not reflecting Spain’s true culture.

Fame of Flamenco

There were many famous Flamenco performers emerging since 1955 who performed at cafes cantantes and concert halls or theatres. Flamenco guitarists also contributed to the art’s fame as an accompaniment to the Flamenco as well as showcasing the talents of the guitarist.

Fame came aboard for the Flamenco through the mass media and tourism industry which showcased its beauty proactively. The Flamenco is still very much appreciated and performed in small groups around Andalucia at numerous occasions in the still nights of Spain where the Flamenco vocals are heard flowing through the atmosphere with the guitar accompaniment and Flamenco steps of the skilled dancer on the pavement.